Aquatic and Coastal Experiences

Feature An In Depth Perspective Swim with humpback whales

When a Humpback Whale breaches the ocean, arcs through the air and slaps back into the water even for a seasoned whale watcher the experience is thrilling. These majestic creatures migrate up the coast of Western Australia delighting locals and holiday makers alike. Between June and November,…

Feature An In Depth Perspective Four Days on the Coral Coast Wildflower Trail

More than just turquoise water and technicolour reefs, the Coral Coast is also one of the world's top wildflower destinations. Discover it all on this four-day trip.

Feature An In Depth Perspective A Road Trip into the Past: Discover WA’s Unique History on the Working Life Heritage Trail

Take a drive along the Working Life Heritage Trail, which offers a historical look at the past of Western Australia's south west region. Meander through the forests, wineries, coves and beaches of the south west, to some of Western Australia's earliest settlements and industries.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Where to Eat and Drink in the Swan Valley

Just half an hour by car from Perth city central, Swan Valley has all the makings of an eating and drinking paradise.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Old Meets New: the Revitalisation of Perth’s East End and Fremantle’s West End

Go forth and venture out just a little further to uncover these hidden histories and gems in Perth’s East End and Fremantle’s West End.

Feature An In Depth Perspective How Broome Became the Pearl of Australia’s North West

Broome has a unique pearling history. This article explores four of the best places in Broome to explore its rich background.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Five amazing walking trails in and around Perth

With sunny clear skies a WA trademark, exploring Perth on foot is a natural fit. Especially when there’s native bushland, sandy beaches, rocky escarpments and serene waterfalls to discover. Team your enthusiasm with drinking water, a hat, sunscreen and this top five list, and your Perth adventure…

Feature An In Depth Perspective Perth Regeneration: Where Heritage and High Times Collide

Perth and Fremantle's historic buildings house some of the city's best places to eat and drink. Here's 10 of the best.

Feature An In Depth Perspective WA’s Best Heritage Hotels

Western Australia's hotel scene offers travellers world-class accommodation. Here are five intriguing hotels blending history with class.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Why Margaret River Is the Perfect Cool-Weather Destination

While July’s Cabin Fever festival makes an excellent excuse to visit Margaret River, any weekend in autumn or winter is a good time to visit. From hitting the surf to enjoying a cosy fireside dinner, here are five ideas for a perfect Margaret River winter escape.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Four Epic Ways to see the World’s Biggest Rock

There are plenty of ways to explore Mount Augustus – here are four ideas to get you started. It’s not hard to imagine why Mount Augustus, also known as Burringurrah, is sacred to the local Wajarri people. Rising 715 metres into the sky, with a…

Feature An In Depth Perspective A Winter Weekend in Perth

With a stylish small-bar scene, wine and foodie daytrip destinations on tap and fabulously arty Fremantle just downstream, a winter weekend in Perth delivers style, substance and sociability. Banish the winter chills in some secret city boltholes, then explore the Perth Hills, Swan Valley and atmospheric Freo.

Feature An In Depth Perspective What’s Hot in Perth This Winter?

Temperatures might dip a little in winter, but Perth’s local wines, comfort foods and migrating humpback whales puts hibernation well and truly on the back burner. Here’s how to make the most of a winter break in the city.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Inside WA’s Outback Paradise

Ask anyone who’s been, and you’ll invariably get the same response: Karijini is like nowhere else on earth. “It really does feel like another planet,” agrees travel photographer Louise Coghill.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Esperance Mini Guide

Looking for beautiful beaches, remote national parks and untouched islands? You've come to the right place. Read on for our mini guide to the best of nature, plus Esperance's best accommodation and distinctly local food culture.

Feature An In Depth Perspective A Word With Layne Beachley and Kirk Pengilly

Kirk Pingilly and Layne Beachley brought rock royalty and surf super stardom to Perth and Ningaloo Reef - to taste and test the best of the west. Here's the ultimate Q&A for where to go and what to expect.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Wild Orcas and the Bremer Canyon Feeding Frenzy

Each year, nearly 200 killer whales are drawn to the pristine waters off Western Australia’s rugged south coast. Join a marine expedition to watch these and many other creatures in their most natural habitat.

Feature An In Depth Perspective WA’s Best Events to Put a Hold on Hibernation

Put a hold on hibernation with Cabin Fever, and four other autumn/winter festivals in and around Margaret River. Home to a whole lot more than world-class wine and surf, the South West also hosts some of Western Australia's most anticipated music and arts festivals this autumn and winter.

Feature An In Depth Perspective The 2019 Hot List: 7 Amazing Ways to See WA Right Now

Here are seven reasons why 2019 should be the year you find your way to Western Australia. Georgia Rickard’s travel adventures have taken her to almost every corner of land, island, lake and reef, and here are her latest discoveries of the hottest and newest experiences.

Feature An In Depth Perspective In Bloom – WA’s Wildflower Explosion

Western Australia is famous the world over for its wildflowers. Each year, from Exmouth to Esperance, the land explodes with colour, starting in June in the north, 12,000 species of wildflower roll down the state to finish in November in the south.

Feature An In Depth Perspective 5 of Perth’s best bars for late nights

We've rounded up 5 of the best bars in Perth to sample Western Australia's finest wines, including the world-renowned cabernets of Margaret River, the pinots of Pemberton, and some interesting new 'natural' wines hitting the mix.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Summer in the city: Perth’s hottest must-dos

With an average 8.8 hours of sunshine a day, Perth and its locals are naturally outdoorsy. When summer comes around, though, things ramp up a considerable notch. Here’s what to look forward to in summer.

Feature An In Depth Perspective A Good Food Guide to Perth

There’s no denying it, WA’s food scene is hotter than ever right now – and these Perth restaurants are the hottest of the lot. Featured in the latest edition of the Good Food Guide, these 5 among the nation’s most sought-after dining experiences right now. Which will you visit?

Feature An In Depth Perspective Perth, Pemberton and Margaret River Road Trip

The Perth, Pemberton and Margaret River loop is studded with beaches, wineries and national parks. Here’s a list of towns to make the most of this popular scenic road trip.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Chasing stars in Broome

To see the universe in all its enormity, you need to peer through the lens of a telescope. And an unforgettable place to do it is among the surrounds and stillness of the Kimberley, and with 300 billion stars above. Guide Greg Quicke shows you how.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Glorious Foodie Feasts Down South

Long table lunches, shucked oysters, wine masterclasses, cocktail degustations and long table dinners mark yet another exciting food festival season in Western Australia. Head south with an empty stomach for some of WA's most exciting – and delicious – foodie festivals. Here are six you won't want to miss.

Feature An In Depth Perspective 4 blissful swimming spots made for summer

Western Australia's South West is brimming with secret swimming spots – without the crowds. Just try and keep these four places a secret...

Feature An In Depth Perspective 7 Quotes from Nigella That Made Us Blush

Three extraordinary days, 20 breathtaking locations and some of the best chefs, sommeliers and food critics on Earth: Margaret River Gourmet Escape is one of the world’s exceptional food festivals – the domestic goddess herself, Nigella Lawson, event deemed it an “astonishing” event in a “remarkable” location. But she didn’t…

Feature An In Depth Perspective Walk this way: Three of WA’s best hikes

There's nothing as magical as spotting humpback whales frolicking in the Indian Ocean as you walk the Cape to Cape Track, just one of three of WA's most challenging yet exhilarating walks.

Feature An In Depth Perspective The Amazing Pink Lakes of WA

Prepare your camera: the pink lakes of WA have to be seen to be believed.

Feature An In Depth Perspective What to expect at Field of Light: Avenue of Honour

Field of Light: Avenue of Honour is Albany's living, breathing tribute to the ANZACs, and dare we say it, one of the most contemplative travel experiences you will have.

Feature An In Depth Perspective 4 of Perth’s prettiest hotels

From the big and bold, to the boutique and cutting edge, Perth has some of the coolest hotels in Australia. A stay at one of these and you're guaranteed a taste of Perth’s local magic.

Feature An In Depth Perspective The (Other) Gentle Giants of Ningaloo Reef

Whale sharks may have put WA’s Ningaloo on the tourist map, but it’s the reef’s other gentle giants – manta rays – that have cast a spell over one scientist.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Australia’s Most Instagrammable Road Trip

We’ve found the most beautiful corner of Australia – and arguably the world. Don’t believe us? Here are ten reasons why.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Matilda Bay Reserve: A Nature Hub Minutes from the City

Kings Park may be the go-to for nature-lovers visiting Perth, but for those looking for tranquility surrounded by the river, there’s Matilda Bay. Wine, dine, relax and spot migratory seabirds at Pelican Point and one of 20 bottlenose dolphins that live there too.

Feature An In Depth Perspective 5 Ways to Slow Down in Faraway Bay

Here are five surprisingly simple pleasures of the Kimberley's Faraway Bay.

Feature An In Depth Perspective 3 Secret Mini Breaks Near Perth

From wine and seafood, to unexpected hideaways, all just a short trip from Perth. Here are some of our favourite spots.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Five Unforgettable Aboriginal Dinner Dates

From fish cooked over mangrove wood to a native superfood that you can sprinkle on a smoothie, here are five fascinating encounters with Aboriginal food.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Five of the Best Aboriginal Art Tours and Galleries

From ancient rock galleries to present-day artists that have captivated the world, Aboriginal art never ceases to amaze.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Three Campsites to Immerse Yourself in Aboriginal Culture

Three campsites in The Kimberley that allow you to immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture: Imintji campground, Jarlarloo Riwi Mimbi campground and Peedamulla.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Street Art and Silos – WA’s Outdoor Art Trail

From urban street-art encounters to far-flung sculpture installations, staggeringly big wheat-silo murals and ancient Aboriginal rock-art sites, WA is one vast outdoor gallery.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Romance on the reef: 3 lovely ways to experience Ningaloo

With an abundance of wildlife experiences, five-star indulgences and 320 days of sunshine every year, there’s no better place to chase summer than along the breathtaking Ningaloo Reef.

Feature An In Depth Perspective 7 of Perth’s Best Local Beaches

Perth has no shortage of grade-A beaches. WA’s long, wide, clean stretches live up to their reputation as some of the world’s most eye-catching, but sun-kissed locals often escape to secret spots for their daily dip. Here’s where you can find them.

Feature An In Depth Perspective 48hrs of Wellness in Broome

Spend two lazy days in Broome recharging your batteries with massages, yoga and restorative beach walks. Bask in the golden light of a Broome dawn while stretching into the sun warrior pose. Yoga is a ritual at Cable Beach Club Resort’s Chahoya Spa, and Buddha Sanctuary; and a restorative way to begin your escape.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Soaked in Sunsets – WA’s Best and Where to Find Them

Is WA Australia’s top state to catch a sunset? While it may not be backed by hard science, there’s a few solid reasons to think so. Take a look at our 12 of the best and decide for yourself!

Feature An In Depth Perspective Get Set for Scenery – 4 Drives Made for Spring

Picture yourself coasting along, cruising past tall timber forests and lush valleys, and winding around coastal roads beside rolling surf. The best part? Being able to stop when and where you want to explore the scenery and sample delicious produce.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Australia’s Unexpected Jurassic Park

130 million years of history are fossilised in the coastal flats around Broome. The prints are the most diverse and abundant on the planet, and the area is fast becoming known as “Australia’s Jurassic Park.”

Feature An In Depth Perspective Best of the Brunch in Margaret River

Margaret River combines food, nature and some of the finest craft beer, wine and brunches in Western Australia; so, if you like to filter more than your coffee, these places are dishing up grub so good it deserves a Grammy.

Feature An In Depth Perspective WA Winter Gems You Probably Haven’t Heard Of

Time for some myth-busting: the assumption that the Western Australian winter involves a momentary dip in temperature and a couple of extra clouds is just plain wrong! With two climates to choose from, Western Australia does winter cool and crisp or warm and wonderful.

Feature An In Depth Perspective 48hrs of Natural Wonders in Broome

Broome's billion star nights, gateway to the Kimberley wilderness and famous giant tides, put reconnecting with nature high on the agenda of locals and visitors alike. Marvel at the natural diversity as you fly over curiously flat waterfalls, witness a breathtaking mudflat moon-dance, and watch a rare dolphin species play in a turquoise bay.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Sweet Dreamtime: 6 stunning Aboriginal camps and lodges

Staying with the original custodians of Western Australia’s North West is a great way to learn about the world’s oldest living culture, and reconnect with nature and loved ones.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Kaya Perth: discover 50,000 years of culture

From new developments to timeless night skies, the Perth region offers countless ways to connect with the world’s oldest living culture. Perth may be a modern city with a recent transformation, but the world’s oldest surviving culture is very much alive here.

Feature An In Depth Perspective 7 Magnificent Aboriginal Cultural Tours

Experience some of Western Australia’s most amazing natural attractions, with the custodians who’ve cared for them for more than 50,000 years. Discover the six aboriginal seasons in Perth, catch a feed the traditional way at Cape Leveque, or sooth the soul with an ancient healing ceremony at a secluded natural pool.

Journey The Best Places To Go The Gourmet Loop

In Western Australia the journey really is the destination. For me the south west is a mix of rugged natural landscapes, history and fresh local food. You taste the region, as much as you see it, and this culinary road trip takes in the best of the coast, nature and food from WA's south west.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Esperance and The Great Ocean Drive

Esperance packs a coastal punch that’s hard to beat. Add one of the most enchanting stretches of oceanside road you’ll ever set wheels on, and for reasons that will become obvious, Esperance’s Great Ocean Drive will leave you wanting to drive on and on.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Enrich on a Kimberley Cruise

Travel writer Fleur Bainger has experienced expedition cruising in the Kimberley several times. Raft Point, Kings Cascades, Rowley Shoals, you name it, she’s cruised it. Here are some of Fleur’s useful insights into the many options on offer in this spectacular region.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Three WA Places Guaranteed to Make you Smile 🙂

Dr Rick Fenny is no stranger when it comes to road tripping in the outback of Western Australia. One of Australia’s most respected vets, who has cared for thousands of animals including the legendary Red Dog, Rick clocks up more than 5000 kilometres every couple of weeks tending to sick animals and checking in with his team of vet doctors and nurses at his vet clinics dotted across WA.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Perth’s Hottest Hotels from City to Coast

In recent years luxury hotel operators such as COMO have made Perth their first Australian landfall, with COMO The Treasury (pictured above), at the heritage State Buildings. Perth is now firmly established on the luxury travel map, and many other brands are following suit providing diversity and value from city to coast.

Feature An In Depth Perspective On Trend Eating, Drinking and Shopping in Perth

Steadily adding to the already established scene, each of Perth's leafy urban precincts offers varying proportions of contemporary restaurants, gastropubs, cafes, cool bars in heritage buildings and old theatres. Some even have dedicated festivals and pop-up farmers’ markets.

Feature An In Depth Perspective The Margaret River Top Ten

Combining Perth and Margaret River is the perfect way to marry the discovery of a new city with the discovery of the forests, caves and beaches of Western Australia's premier wine region. Here're 10 highlights to get the best of both.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Lucky Be Those Wine Makers

More than any other varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay have brought Margaret River to the attention of wine-lovers across the world. Meet the makers pushing the boundaries of wine-making in Margaret River, and see the landscape that gives these wines their unique Margaret River character. Featuring Cullen, Vasse Felix and Dormilona Wines.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Ten Margaret River Food Experiences You’ll Love

To understand the effect of its Mediterranean, maritime climate and get to grips with Margaret River's laid-back lifestyle you need to taste the wine, talk to the makers and dine like a local.

Journey The Best Places To Go A Perfect Match: Margaret River and Perth

The long weekend means one thing to us Perth locals; a road trip. Come Friday afternoon, the highway from Perth is buzzing with resident vacationers on their way to make the most of Margaret River’s rejuvenating combination of surf, wine country, and nature.

Feature An In Depth Perspective 5 Margaret River Adventure Highlights

You can experience the terroir of Margaret River first hand, by canoeing, or hiking, before visiting a nearby cellar door to taste the hard-earned, salty spray of a Cloudburst Cabernet.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Summer Events Boom in Perth

Balmy nights, spiegeltents and sumptuous celebrations of food and wine marks the start of Perth's summer season of events. With endless good weather Perth’s festival season stretches from spring into autumn with Fringe World, Perth Festival, outdoor gigs, wine events and food festivals.

Journey The Best Places To Go Glorious Food: A Tour of Perth’s Best Weekend Markets

If in-season, high quality produce is high on your shopping agenda, skip the supermarket aisles and instead, buy direct from local growers at Perth’s weekend farmers’ markets. Here, we profile 11 of Perth's best.

Journey The Best Places To Go Rottnest: A Journey Around Perth’s Secluded Island Escape

Growing up in Perth, the crystalline secluded bays on our back doorstep at Rottnest Island, served as an instant holiday that always felt much further than a 40-minute ferry from the city centre.

Journey The Best Places To Go Perth’s Local Wineries in a Weekend

From big to boutique, Perth's vineyards are full of secrets. With great drinking, stories and characters, all just a short drive from the city centre, Perth’s vineyards are a must-visit on a trip to WA.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Why Kings Park is the King of All Parks

Finding an immense native park studded with trees that live for 2000 years, a suspended bridge and dense wildflower carpets in the heart of a capital city is as unexpected as it is engaging.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Feasting Al Fresco in the Southern Forests

Go beyond Margaret River and enjoy a locavore lunch in Western Australia's Southern Forests. The perfect extension to a Margaret River holiday, there is more fabulous produce and landscapes on offer in the adjoining Southern Forests region, famous for its soaring karri and tingle trees.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Margaret River Winter Warmers

Nowhere else does soulful red wine meet epic surf conditions, a truffle festival like no other and 10 hedonistic days celebrating all things foodie and fireside. Welcome to winter in Western Australia’s south west.

Feature An In Depth Perspective 10 Reasons to Stay Another Day in Perth

Heading to Perth? Once you hear about the seaplane daytrips to Margaret River, the heli-skydiving over Rottnest Island and the open-sea swimming with wild dolphins, you might be tempted to miss the flight home.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Perth’s Best Craft Beers and Where to Find Them

Perth’s beer scene punches well above its weight. Craft Beer connoisseur Max Brearley welcomes you to the cradle of Aussie craft beer, and tells where you can find the best drops.

Journey The Best Places To Go Perth + Ningaloo Reef + Karijini National Park in 10 Days

New York-based travel writer, blogger and photographer Kate McCulley shares her travel tips from Perth to Karijini in ten days. "Travelling up the west coast takes in some of the best diverse landscapes in Australia. From pink lakes to yellow deserts, red sandstone cliffs and glassy green swimming holes, you’ll be able to see a striking collection of Western Australia in just 10 days".

Feature An In Depth Perspective Both Barrels, Combine Surf and Wine at the Margaret River Surf Pro

There are three stops on the Australian leg of the WSL Championship Tour: the Gold Coast, Bells Beach, and Margaret River. From my perspective — an American surf journalist — it’s a bit of a Goldilocks and the Three Bears situation. But in Margaret River I found a place and a contest that were jusssst right!

Feature An In Depth Perspective Why I Adore Margaret River’s Enormously Huggable Trees

British TV presenter, nature lover and walking enthusiast Julia Bradbury finds some enormously huggable trees in Boranup Forest.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Quick Read: Bays, Beaches and Sting Rays in the Margaret River Region

British TV presenter, nature lover and walking enthusiast Julia Bradbury gets to grips with Margaret River’s epic coastal scenery and friendly local string rays.

Feature An In Depth Perspective Find the Ultimate Australia at Karijini National Park

German travel writer and blogger Freedi Franze heads to Karijini National Park for a three night eco stay among the natural swimming holes, gorges and wildflowers.

Feature An In Depth Perspective The Second I Fell in Love with Ningaloo Reef

With the first glance through my goggles I fell in love with this stunning underwater world! There were colourful fish everywhere, a large green turtle jovially crossed my path, and it felt like I was floating through a sea of flowers and colour. I was delighted!

Feature An In Depth Perspective Perth’s latest and greatest evening eats

A night out in Perth is all about the highs and lows. From basement bars hidden in art-strewn laneways to rooftop eyries sitting high above it all, some of Perth’s best venues are tucked away in unexpected corners.

Journey The Best Places To Go Life on the Gibb River Road for a Week

Neville Hernon has called the Kimberley’s iconic Gibb River Road home for 22 years. Back in the day, he worked as a station mechanic on a local cattle station. Now he runs his own business, Over the Range Tyre and Mechanical Repairs. Here are his tips for tackling the Gibb, and the ultimate pit stops en route.

Journey The Best Places To Go Discovering the Culture of Broome in a Day

Bart Pigram was born and raised in Broome. He belongs to one of Broome’s most famous families, has been involved in revitalising Yawuru culture and language, and now runs Narlijia Cultural Tours. Here he shares his tips for discovering the cultures of Broome in a day.

Journey The Best Places To Go Two Days of Local Perth Living

Russell Blaikie is a well-known West Aussie chef and partner of Must Winebar shares his tips for some great local places to visit in and around Perth – and where to eat! As a chef he combines the best of his international experience with local Western Australia produce in the kitchen. The rest of the time, he just loves living in Perth.

Journey The Best Places To Go Seven Days on and Around Dirk Hartog Island

Kieran and Tory Wardle and their three children are the only people that can call Dirk Hartog Island, off the coast of Denham in Western Australia, home. They regularly welcome visitors to this historic and unique place to show them its natural wonders, far from the routines of every-day life. Here are their tips for a seven day trip.

Journey The Best Places To Go Eight Margaret River Discoveries you can Pack into a Weekend

The big thing visitors don’t realise is that Margaret River offers much more than our world-class wine and food. The outdoor activities are now just as significant, not to mention the diverse arts and crafts scene. These are some of my favourite things to do that can be packed into a weekend escape to Margaret River from Perth.

Journey The Best Places To Go My Favourites for a Week Around Ningaloo Reef

Sarah Ellis has been visiting Ningaloo Reef and the Coral Coast for 15 years and moved there to live three years ago. Two years ago, Sarah and her partner started their own ecotourism business, taking people out to swim with whale sharks and other marine life on the world heritage listed Ningaloo Reef. Get the local lowdown on their favourites.